He also denied a charge of indecently assaulting a girl aged between 12 and 16 years of age, between March 31, 1991, and March 31, 1996.

Sheppard, who suffers from extreme hearing difficulties, was accompanied in the dock by a member of his family when he appeared before Judge David Ticehurst at Taunton Crown Court this morning (September 4).

A trial is expected to take place on March 5 next year, and in the meantime he was released on bail.